Apple has patented an idea for a universal TV remote that will turn your iPhone into a copy of any existing TV remote, potentially replacing standard remote controls altogether.

Apple has patented an idea for a universal TV remote that will turn your iPhone into a copy of any existing TV remote, potentially replacing standard remote controls altogether.

The technology works like this: a user takes a photo of their remote using their iPhone and uploads it to the iCloud, where it is analysed. Apple then automatically sends back a virtual copy of the physical remote to the iPhone, which should then work with the TV in question.

The universal remote software will also take advantage of iPhone cameras and microphones to determine the current state of a TV, such as if it is on or off, or if the volume needs to be adjusted. This could, however, present some potential privacy issues and may not make it into the final product, if, indeed, it ever gets developed at all.

Google previously developed technology for its Google TV service that allows Android smartphones to be used as remote controls, but Apple's idea extends beyond its own territory by offering to become a skeleton key for the entire TV market.

The potential problem with this idea, aside from the fact that it will be a logistical challenge to achieve, is that copying existing remotes might present some legal difficulties for Apple, particularly if some TV manufacturers have patents to back up their remotes.

It is believed that this technology will be worked into a new iPhone in the future, rather than being rolled out to existing models.